American artist, Jo Lynn Alcorn’s paper artwork is a product of cutting out and assembling designs by hand with meticulous care and creativity.

Jo Lynn Alcorn’s artistic collaboration with Boucheron arose out of a desire to create a Place Vendôme that would be accessible to everyone and offer a contemporary and poetic experience.Brought out from the chests where they laid hidden for more than a century at the iconic number 26, you are invited to experience these Boucheron stories in a new way.

An artistic feat

LightJo Lynn discovered that if she raised up elements from the composition there was a wonderful play of light and shadow. The exquisite architecture of the Place Vendôme is constantly illuminated.

Paper ArtJo Lynn work in a three-dimensional cut paper technique for about 20 years. With this technical expertise, she realise complicated things such as building a column that tapers, with a spiral, and a dome, and all out of paper.

ChallengeThe creative and intuitive spirit of this artist have permit to realise complicated elements of the Place Vendôme. This artwork represent an artistic challenge realised in only one month.

Fascinated by the rays of light shining on number 26 Place Vendôme, Frédéric Boucheron was the first jeweler to open a boutique at this iconic location in 1893. Here, he would go on to write the history of Fine Jewelry.

26, place Vendôme

The boutique’s almost sacred setting opposite the obelisk on the "Place des Lumières" (Square of Light) means that the jewelry displayed in the window is bathed in sunlight each day from dawn through dusk.

The figure 8 mysteriously comes up often in the Maison's history: its founding in 1858, 26 (2+6) Place Vendôme, 1968 launch of the Serpent collection, and so on.

The figure 8 - a sign of reflected light and the symbol of infinity - is also present in the Boucheron monogram.

The Quatre collection is inspired by Boucheron's history of timeless style and combines the Maison's iconic motifs: "Grosgrain", "Diamonds", "Godron", and the "Clous de Paris", a fitting tribute to the City of Light and its cobblestone streets.

Throughout the day, the sun serves to guide the work of the master jewelers withtheir “Hands of light”.

During the day, Frédéric Boucheron used to move the furniture around in his vast office known as “the room of light”.

In the morning, the office where he received special clients faced the Place Vendôme before being turned to face the rue de la Paix in the afternoon.

Established amidst the pomp and splendor of the Second Empire, and popular among the Parisian bourgeoisie, princes of the Orient and the Russian aristocracy, the Maison Boucheron came to epitomize the French "art de vivre" during the Belle Epoque.

A Palace-like Ambiance Created by Frédéric Boucheron

The Ritz opened on the Place Vendôme four years after the Boucheron boutique. César Ritz and Frédéric Boucheron became friends and shared the dream of turning the "Place des Lumières" (Square of Light) into the epicenter of French sophistication; a place where the elegant and the great would feel at home.

Number 26 Place Vendôme offers a special palace-like ambiance. Frédéric Boucheron set new standards of luxury, establishing a unique brand of charm and exceptional service. The Ritz and Boucheron shared a number of clients, including most notably the Maharajah of Patiala.

“You’ll feel at home in the Boucheron boutique, even though home is thousands of miles away.” Frédéric Boucheron

Boucheron gives its clients a very special welcome. The butler at the boutique has the tradition of offering the same cocktails as those served at the Ritz. It is said that the “Blue Blazer” was Frédéric Boucheron's favorite.

Witty and full of character, Gabrielle Boucheron was the woman who inspired Frédéric Boucheron to create the Maison's most beautiful symbol of protection.

Gabrielle Boucheron

It was in 1888, on the eve of one of his voyages, that Frédéric Boucheron gave his wife Gabrielle a necklace in the form of a snake. This was a protective gesture from a husband to his beloved wife. Ever since this day, revered as a beneficial and immortal figure, the serpent has accompanied daring beauties who use their jewelry to reinvent themselves each day.

A symbol of love, the serpent is related to Near Eastern deities from the underworld:the Assyrian goddess of love and fertility, Ishtar, and Kadesh in Palestine.

2013 is the year of the Serpent Bohème collection; a modern take on the Maison's iconic Seprent line. The collection pays tribute to freedom and the passion for travel, both inspired by the father of the Maison. According to Boucheron, a bohemian style is synonymous with the art of elegant living practiced with panache by dandies, artists and models who transcend the centuries and current trends.

In 1887, the Jewels of the French Crown were sold at an auction held at the Louvre. As a pledge of his eternal love, Frédéric Boucheron bought a highly valued diamond to set on a ring for the woman he called “My Darling”. Legend has it that this act prompted similarly enamored men to come to the Boucheron boutique in search of an engagement ring.

Nicknamed “The white peacock”, the Countess of Castiglione lived in the Nocé private residence located at number 26 Place Vendôme, and so came to know Frédéric Boucheron and his workshops.

The Countess of Castiglione

A new sensation at the French Court and muse to Napoleon III, Madame Castiglione took a liking to Boucheron’s bold jewelry, which she wore like a promise of eternal youth.

“Never have I seen beauty to rival hers, nor shall I see her like again!" The Princess of Metternich

An iconic image in the early days of photography, the Countess posed before the lens of Pierre-Louis Pierson, from the start of his highly successful career right up until the end of her life.

Posing in turn as a Carmelite nun, the Queen of Etruria or the Queen of Hearts, her extravagant scenarios were a precursor to the genre of fashion photography.

Animals have always been a source of inspiration for Frédéric Boucheron. These celestial and benevolent companions exist in perfect harmony with the women who wear them.

The Collection of Animals

Wladimir, Gérard Boucheron’s cat, weaves his way between people’s legs and the jewelry display cases in the boutique at number 26 Place Vendôme. Sending out a warm message with his purr, he tirelessly seeks affection from the boutique's clients who consider him a member of the Boucheron family.

From 1882 onwards, Sarah Bernhardt commissioned jewelry in the shape of dogs, cats and birds from Boucheron. The animal figurines were mounted on pieces of jewelry that were inlaid with dazzling precious stones.

Frédéric Boucheron’s love of animals was his source of inspiration for Bestiaire.Species from all latitudes including giraffes, zebra, parrots and frogs were transformed into stunning bracelets, necklaces, pendants and rings.The result is a charming, playful collection that epitomizes Boucheron's vibrant character.